Workplace Back Safety

Back Safety

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than one million workers suffer back injuries each year, and back injuries account for one of every five workplace injuries or illnesses. Further, one-fourth of all compensation indemnity claims involve back injuries, costing employers billions of dollars. These figures do not begin to reflect the pain and suffering employees experience as a result of their injuries.

Back injuries are exceedingly painful. They are difficult to heal, and they have an effect upon everything a person does. If you have ever experienced a back injury, you already know this. What you may not know is that after you have experienced one back injury, you are much more likely to experience another one sometime during your lifetime. It is important to learn techniques and procedures that may help you prevent a reoccurrence.

If, on the other hand, you are lucky enough to have never injured your back, you can do yourself a big favor by learning how to prevent one in the future. By learning proper lifting techniques and the basics of back safety, you may be able to save yourself a lot of pain.... and a lifetime of back problems. Read more....

Back Safety & Lifting Techniques

Proper lifting technique is critical to back safety, but perhaps more important is proper planning.

Before you lift that box, or tool, or piece of equipment, take a moment to consider your action:

Do you need to lift the item manually?

How heavy is it?

Where are you moving the item from?

Where does it have to go?

What route do you have to follow?

BACK SAFETY - Industrial Hygiene - Environmental Health & Safety

Program Introduction

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has reported that back injuries are the nation’s number one safety problem. More than one million workers suffer back injuries each year, and back injuries account for one in five workplace injuries or illnesses. It is important to learn proper back safety techniques.

The back is a wonderfully designed system for flexibility, weight bearing, and mobility. Unfortunately, because it usually works so well, we tend to neglect it's needs. Proper posture and correct body mechanics are important to preserve the health of our back.

Lifting Safely

"Lift with the legs." We've all heard this before, but proper body mechanics is more than a catch phrase. These steps will help you lift safely and efficiently.

How to Save Your Back

Here are suggestions you can use everyday to maintain the health of your back.

More Resources:

Back Safety Training Program DVD